Named after the Indonesian word for "tiger,” the Macan is the second utility vehicle to join Porsche's ever-expanding lineup of models. Like the larger Cayenne, it aims to provide buyers with space to carry their family and their gear while retaining the DNA that has helped establish the Porsche brand as a respected name in sports car circles.

OverviewStretching 184.2 inches long, the Macan is considerably more compact than the aforementioned Cayenne but there is an undeniable family resemblance between the two models. Its front end features a gaping radiator grille, elongated oval headlights and an aggressive lower fascia while a rakish C-pillar, an air diffuser integrated in the rear bumper and a roof-mounted spoiler hint at the crossover's performance-derived genes.

Life aboardThe Macan's interior is a seamless blend of comfort and performance that borrows styling cues from its siblings. It boasts a sloping center console with a dizzying selection of switches, an instrument cluster with analog gauges and a thick-rimmed multi-function steering wheel. Buyers can choose from a wide array of trim materials including carbon fiber and brushed aluminum.

The dashboard features a seven-inch color touch screen that runs an optional high-tech infotainment system called Porsche Communications Manager (PCM). PCM groups the car's audio, navigation (if equipped) and communication functions into a single easy-to-use interface that packs a 40 GB hard drive, a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity.

In navigation mode, PCM can show routes in either 2D or 3D in order to give the driver an idea of what terrain variation he or she will encounter during the trip. The system also has a split-screen mode, making it access to get a map and a list of directions at the same time. All of PCM's functions can be controlled by buttons and knobs, and a voice recognition software is available at an extra cost.

The Macan offers room for five passengers and up to 17.7 cubic feet of cargo hidden by a removable cover. 53 cubic feet are available with the rear seats folded flat.

Trim Level BreakdownThe Macan is available in three four levels: base, S, GTS, and Turbo.

The base Macan gets by with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine tuned to make 252 horsepower from 5,000 to 6,800 rpm and 273 lb-ft. of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. Bolted to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the turbo four sends the Macan from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds when buyers select the costly Sport Chrono package. The crossover keeps accelerating until it hits 142 mph.

Gas mileage checks in at 25 mpg on the highway, 20 mpg in the city, and 22 mpg in a mixed cycle. Porsche points out the base Macan tips the scale at 3,902 pounds, a figure that makes it the lightest member of Porsche's crossover lineup.

The Macan S features a 3.0-liter V6 engine that sends 340 horsepower and 339 lb-ft. of torque to all four wheels via a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The crossover reaches 60 mph from a stop in a quick 5.2 seconds and goes on to a track-worthy top speed of 156 mph.

The Macan S comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, an upscale audio system with 11 speakers, a HomeLink garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, heated door mirrors, a power tailgate, automatic Bi-Xenon headlights, a dual-zone climate control system, seats upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara and eight-way adjustable front seats.

Next up is the Macan GTS. It's equipped with an evolution of the S' 3.0-liter V6 tuned to 360 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. Bolted to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the GTS hits 60 mph from a stop in five seconds flat and it tops out at 159 mph.

The list of standard features includes leather and Alcantara upholstery, aluminum door sills, a specific instrument cluster, a compass on the dashboard, auto-dimming mirrors, an improved sound system, parking sensors, and red brake calipers.

The more expensive Macan Turbo is powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that churns out 400 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque. Linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that spins all four wheels, the six-cylinder sends the Macan from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 164 mph.

Brand purists might scoff at the Macan but it remains a Porsche, and that means it comes with a list of options that could stretch over a small lake. Buyers can order side skirts, skid plates, keyless entry, automatically dimming mirrors, a panoramic roof, miscellaneous roof rails, an air suspension, Porsche's Torque Vectoring Plus system, a Sport Chrono Package, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist, Lane Keep Assist, heated and ventilated seats, a ski bag, a three-zone climate control, various trim for the dashboard and the door panels, a voice recognition function, Satellite Radio, a compass on the dashboard as well as a galactic variety of seat belt colors.

Buyers with extra deep pockets can choose to pick up their Macan in either Leipzig or Zuffenhausen, Germany, and briefly tour Europe before having their car shipped straight to their local dealer.

Occupant safetyAll Macan models regardless of trim level come standard with frontal and knee airbags for the front passengers, side airbags for the front and rear passengers and curtain airbags that stretch from the A- to the C-pillars.

Additional safety equipment includes a rollover sensor that automatically deploys the side airbags and triggers the seatbelt pre-tensioners as well as electronic driving aids such as traction control.

Key competitorsThe Porsche Macan squares off against a growing list of competitors that includes the Land Rover Range Rover Velar, the Audi SQ5, the Jaguar F-Pace, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.